Seduced by Moonlight - Hardcover

Hamilton, Laurell K.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 034544356X ISBN 13: 9780345443564

Publisher: Ballantine Books, 2004

Synopsis

I am Meredith Gentry, P.I. and Princess Merry, heir to the throne of Fairie. Now there are those among me who whisper I am more. They fear me even as they protect me. And who can blame them? I've awakened the dazzling magic that's slumbered in them for thousands of years. But the thing is, I can't figure out why. My aunt, the Queen of Air and Darkness, is no longer distracted by her usual sadistic hobbies. Her obsession has turned unwaveringly to me. The mission to get me pregnant and beat my cousin Prince Cel to the crown is taking longer than expected. Even though I spend each night with the Queen's Ravens, my immortal guards, no child has come of our decadent pleasures. But something else is happening. My magic courses through me uncontrollably. And as I lock my half-mortal body with their full-Sidhe blooded ones, the power surges like never before. It all began with the chalice. I dreamed of it, and it appeared, cool and hard, beside me when I awoke. My guards know the ancient relic well - its disappearance ages ago stripped them of their vital powers. But it is here with us now. My touch resonates with its force, and they're consumed with it, their Sidhe essences lit up by it. But even as they cherish me for this unexpected gift, there are those who loathe me for it. Me, a mongrel, only half fey and part mortal. The Unseelie court has suffered for so long, and there are some who would not have it weakened further by an impure queen. My enemies grow in number every day. But they do not know what I am capable of. Nor, for that matter, do I...

In Seduced by Moonlight, Laurell K. Hamilton brings the dark, erotic reign of the immortal fey to a startling new depth. Full of sensuality and the consuming anticipation of latent powers unleashed, this world of gods, shapeshifters, and immortal souls is unveiled in all of its supreme magnificence and treacherous deceits.

About this title

Review

The third novel in Laurell K Hamilton's Meredith Gentry series, Seduced by Moonlight continues the story of Merry Gentry, a mortal Faerie princess hiding in LA Her aunt, the immortal and insane Queen of Air and Darkness, has ordered her to compete with her cousin, Prince Cel, in making a baby. Whoever produces a child first wins the throne of the Unseelie Court. But Merry still hasn't conceived--and that's not her only problem. Unknown assassins seek her life; her magical powers are becoming potent and uncontrollable; and her sadistic aunt has just commanded her to return to Faerie.

Readers tired of mild modern fairy-tales about nice, polite elves may want to explore the Meredith Gentry series, which remembers that Faerie was originally a dark, dangerous realm of sex and violence. Hamilton's Queen of Air and Darkness is a vicious killer and torturer, and many of her fay drink blood or practice kinky sex (or both). Under royal orders to bed many males, Merry is far from averse; she and several lovers hit the bedroom on page eight of Seduced by Moonlight and don't emerge until page 175. There's no shortage of sex, but not as much as the page-count may indicate; the characters like to talk and sulk even more than they like to fornicate. The large cast and complicated backstory make this book the wrong starting point for the uninitiated; newcomers should begin with the first novel, A Kiss of Shadows. --Cynthia Ward

Review

"If you want something different, this is the book for you. Erotic, magical, violent, sensual and thrilling, it is an extraordinary tale of a Faerie in hiding as a private investigator in LA, and is quite simply delicious... Highly recommended" (Sarah Broadhurst Bookseller)

"Relentless high-paced trashiness - it's good fun" (SFX)

"Erotic, funny and horrific... probably not one for your granny" (Shivers)

"Very refreshing... Hamilton has an amazing imagination" (SF Site)

About this edition

• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 034544356X
• ISBN 13: 9780345443564
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 372